Lake Fork Trophy Bass Report
Submitted August 16, 2008
By Guide James Caldemeyer
The fishing on Lake Fork has been crazy this month. Between the 100+ degree days and the rains coming and going, it has kept the bass on a rollercoaster of feeding patterns. One day the fishing is great and the next it is a challenge to get a consistent bite. Regardless, there is always an opportunity to catch a "monster" bass on this amazing fishery and you can expect the fishing to become better as September comes and fall rolls in.
The lake is currently sitting at 402.97, which is right at full pool. This great news as we get closer to fall and will contribute to another season of tremendous fishing. The water clarity is fairly clear to somewhat stained in other areas due to recent rain. Surface temperatures have been ranging from 88-93 degrees.
The shallow to mid-depth bite has been consistent early and late in the day. I have been targeting main lake points and secondary points at the mouth of the creeks in depths from 10-16 ft with good success. There is a lot of deeper hydrilla on the lake right now. If you can locate some good deep grass with baitfish present, you are in business! Best baits have been top waters like a yellow magic, chug bug, or zara spook jr in any variety of shad patterns. Wacky worms and Texas rigged 10" worms fished along the outside edges of the grass beds have been great as well. Best colors are watermelon red, chartreuse pumpkin, plum, and june bug. The jig bite has still been good as well. If you have tried Talon's football jigs and like them as much as I do, you need to try the "grass jig" as well. www.talonlures.com Its unique head is great for penetrating the grass and getting down to where the fish are. I like to use the Willie's weed color, Watermelon candy, PB&J or Texas Craw with a matching trailer.
The deep fishing has been good too and you will find some large schools of bass out in the depths this time of year. Points, humps, roadbeds, and submerged pond dams in 22-32 feet of water are great places to look at with your electronics. Once you have located a school of bass, pay attention to their relation in the water column to the bottom. This will give you a better idea on your fish approach. If the fish are on or near the bottom I like to throw a carolina rigged trick worm, french fry, or creature bait like the new "Scorpion" from Wave Worm. Best www.wavefishing.com For equipment, I use a 7'6" Heavy Shimano Crucial rod/reel with a 1 oz. weight, a 4-5 foot leader, and a 3/0 wide gap hook. I also like to throw the Talon football head jig out deep, in the same colors as above, when the fish are on the bottom. For fish that are suspended, the fishing is a little tricky but you can still catch them on a drop shot rigs, deep diving crank baits and big jigging spoons. Working these baits through the fish while keeping an eye on your front graph can be very rewarding when the fishing conditions get tough.
If you would like to come out to Lake Fork and catch some trophy summertime bass or plan a great fall fishing trip to catch that trophy, feel free to give me a call at (903)736-9888 or you can email me at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com I want to thank all of my sponsors for their support and the good Lord for giving me strength!
Check out Psalms 3:1-4
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer